Monument record MDO19707 - Roman activity, Sherborne Abbey Primary School, Lenthay Road, Sherborne

Evidence for pre-medieval activity was identified during an archaeological evaluation of the Sherborne Abbey Primary School replacement site, Lenthay Road in 1998. A possible ditched enclosure and a series of post-holes, pits and annular features were recorded in the SE part of the site sealed below a layer of hillwash 0.2-0.5m thick. It is possible that this represents activity associated with the nearby Lenthay Roman villa.

Evidence for pre-medieval activity was identified during an archaeological evaluation of the Sherborne Abbey Primary School replacement site, Lenthay Road in 1998.

A possible ditched enclosure and a series of post-holes, pits and annular features were recorded in the SE part of the site sealed below a layer of hillwash 0.2-0.5m thick. Trench 7 contained two annular features, five post-holes or small pits and three stakeholes. Although there were no datable finds, they do seem to represent some form of contemporary occupation or land use. Trenches 8 and 9 contained a linear feature [804/907] which seemed to line up with a previously identified gradiometer trace [F]. When taken together the trace and excavated features form a ditch with a right angled bend that may represent an enclosure or field boundary. Again no datable finds were recovered, although all the above features were sealed by a colluvial layer containing a few sherds of 11th-15th century pottery.

It is possible, then that these features are pre-medieval in origin and may represent activity associated with the nearby Lenthay Roman villa.

<1> Brading, R, 1998, Summary report on an archaeological evaluation at Sherborne Abbey Primary School replacement site Lenthay Road, Sherborne, Dorset. (Unpublished document). SDO10355.

Record last edited

Oct 11 2022 12:58PM